KMDI - Knowledge Media Design Institute

Knowledge media are building blocks of a knowledge society

Applying

Students apply for the KMD Collaborative Program from a variety of academic backgrounds, with broad technical or intellectual expertise, and a dedication to interdisciplinary research and collaboration. We welcome applications from students who demonstrate a combination of: strong academic performance; intellectual maturity; excellent communication skills; creative engagement with some aspect of knowledge media; interest and aptitude for collaborative, interdisciplinary work; and commitment to complete a challenging course of study.

Masters and Ph.D. students accepted into one of the following 9 graduate units may apply to the KMD Collaborative Program:

Architecture, Landscape, and Design (ALD); Art / Visual Studies (VIS); Computer Science (CS); Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (CTL); Information (FI); Institute of Medical Science (IMS); Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE); Sociology (SOC); and Theory and Policy Studies / History and Philosophy of Education (TPS).

Students may apply for the KMD Collaborative Program when they begin their degree, or while their degree is in progress. New students must apply separately to the Collaborative Program and a home unit. The Program Committee will consider applications after a home unit confirms a student's acceptance. Students in a home unit that is not currently a collaborating unit should consider requesting that their department or faculty apply to join the KMD Collaborative Program. Contact us for assistance with this request.

You can find out more about U of T's general admissions requirements at Grad School website

Apply

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION: 2010/2011 Academic Year *NEW*
Download the application in PDF format [PDF] or RTF format [RTF].

Complete the Application form and send it by email to the KMD CP Program Coordinator at program@kmdi.utoronto.ca. We also request:

1. A statement of research interests specific to knowledge media and / or design;
2. An up-to-date resume;
3. Two letters of reference; and
4. Academic transcripts.

If current, you can request that your home department or faculty provide access to your online application materials for letters of reference and academic transcripts. You will need to request that your home unit allow us to access your online application materials.

FAQ

• What the Collaborative Program offers
• Who Should Apply?
• Application Deadlines
• Application Package
• Where to Send the Application
• Where to Get Help with Applying
  
  

What the Collaborative Program offers

Knowledge Media Design (KMD) is an emerging interdisciplinary field centred on the human-centred development of new digital media and the creative exploration of the interaction between new technologies, media and social practices. The Knowledge Media Design Collaborative Program provides a specialisation for graduate students from a variety of academic backgrounds to engage in the design, prototyping, evaluation, and use of media intended to support and enhance the ability of individuals and groups to think, communicate and create knowledge. The Collaborative Program offers its members abundant opportunities to explore contemporary media design issues in active collaboration with exceptionally well-qualified students and faculty reflecting an appropriately wide range of research interests and expertise. While the Collaborative Program does not issue its own degree, students meeting the program requirements will receive an official graduation certificate from University of Toronto and their transcript will indicate that they have completed a specialization in Knowledge Media Design.

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Who Should Apply?

U of T graduate students may decide to apply for the Collaborative Program at any point during their graduate work, and complete the specialization in KMD. This is common and welcome. Course work requirements completed before joining the Program will be be applied retroactively.

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Application Deadlines

The Collaborative Program accepts applications from January until May 31 for admission beginning in September, the start of a new academic year. We will notify successful applicants in June.

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Application Package

A complete Collaborative Program application includes the following components:

1. Application for Admission Form
2. Statement of Research Interest
3. Resume
4. Two Letters of Reference
5. Academic Transcripts
   

1. Application for Admission Form

The Application Form is a record of an applicant's contact information, intended program of study, and relevant background. The information provided is used solely for admission, registration and program administration. Download the 2010/2011 application in PDF format [PDF] or RTF format [RTF].

2. Statement of Research Interest

The Statement of Research Interest is a key component of the application package. Above all, applicants should be specific in representing their interests and background preparation for the KMD CP Program Committee to best judge their study interests, research potential, and prospective fit with the Collaborative Program. Students entering graduate-level studies for the first time are not expected to have a fully formed research program, nor a designated supervisor, and will be encouraged to explore new avenues as their course work progresses.The Program Committee will be looking for evidence of thoughtfulness, creativity, and clarity of direction. PhD applicants will be expected to present a correspondingly more focused program of research.

The Statement of Research Interest is a 1-2 page letter. References to cited works may appear on an additional page.

In the letter respond to each of the following items:

- Outline your reasons for pursuing admission into the KMD Collaborative Program. What has inspired you? What do you expect to gain?
-. Briefly explain how your background has prepared you for work, specifically in Knowledge Media Design and more generally in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
- Explain why your anticipated/proposed Program of Study is related to Knowledge Media Design, rather than a Program of Study within the more traditional disciplinary boundaries of your home department. You can provide a link to KMD-related work.
- Indicate the potential scope of your research and any topics, approaches or methods that you anticipate using. Estimate what remaining background preparation, supervision and resources you may need to successfully complete your research program.


3. Resume

This document should be an up-to-date record not exceeding 2 standard typed pages. Please include relevant extra-curricular experience and interests.


4. Letters of Reference

The applicant must supply two (2) letters of reference. While commenting on the applicant's past performance and achievement, the reference letters should focus on the specific interests of the Collaborative Program. When possible, referees should assess the applicant’s intellectual and technical range, interdisciplinary aptitude, and aptitude for a course of interdisciplinary study in Knowledge Media Design. The letters of reference need not be solely academic; those from relevant professional experience and other non-academic experience are welcome.

Letters of reference used in home department application may already be on file and students are free to use these same letters for their Collaborative Program application if still applicable. Original reference letters sent directly from referees are also acceptable. To re-use letters of reference, you will ask your two referees to send a short e-mail to the KMD Collaborative Program Coordinator at program@kmdi.utoronto.ca, consenting to use the same letter for an application to a second graduate program. Here is a suggested wording for the one-line e-mail:

"I agree to having the letter of reference that I provided for _____________ to be used for purposes of his/her application to the Collaborative Program in Knowledge Media Design at the University of Toronto."

5. Academic Transcripts

Applicants should provide transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work. These are confidential documents, stamped and sealed by the issuing institution(s), and mailed directly to the Collaborative Program or home unit by the issuing institution. The applicant must ensure that sufficient time is given to allow the transcripts to arrive at the approximate time that the rest of the application arrives.

If applicants are already enrolled in a collaborating home unit, they may notify the KMD CP in their application that the original documents are available at their home faculty or department. At the same time, they should ask their home unit to release these documents to the KMD Collaborative Program.

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Where to Send the Application

Email: Email is the preferred method of submitting an application. All documents except original transcripts and reference letters may be sent as attachments to program@kmdi.utoronto.ca. Contact the KMD Collaborative Program Coordinator before sending your application materials to facilitate the process.

Mail: Send the complete application as a single package to:

Professor Jim Slotta, Program Director
KMD Collaborative Program, BA7222
Bahen Centre for Information Technology, 40 St. George St.
University of Toronto
Toronto, ON M5S 2E4

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Where to Get Help with Applying?

Address questions by email to program@kmdi.utoronto.ca or by phoning 416-946-8515.

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